Archie vs. Predator #2Review

Archie vs. Predator continues to be the book that shouldn't work but somehow does, its second installment every bit as ridiculous and bloody as the first. The series' halfway point sees a number of narrative pieces fall into place, in turn offering a collection of Riverdale's finest up for some spine splitting slaughter. Family friendly this is not.

Alex de Kampi and Fernando Ruiz pick up right where they left off, Archie and the gang returning to Riverdale after their ill-fated island vacation. Before long their unwanted stowaway rears his dreadlocked head, blasting faces and removing spines as easily as one might open a tube of Pringles. It's crazy stuff, and de Kampi presents it in such a straightforward manner that it really feels like an ordinary Archie tale gone wrong. Once the Predator makes his presence known, de Kampi does her best to give the narrative an actual overarching plot involving the jaguar dagger Betty found on the island. This decision makes sense on a basic level, but it also dulls the momentum some. Similarly, the dearth of knowledge provided by Kevin's General father also feels a bit convenient, though it does set up an explosive confrontation involving Jughead in drag.

As mentioned, much of the read comes off as classic Archie, something wholly attributed to artist Ruiz. His characterization and world building is spot on, unnervingly so given the rather gruesome subject matter that ramps up throughout. At one point a supporting character takes a laser shot to the face, his exploding noggin' staining the childhoods of those reared on Double Digests. This is an Archie tale unlike any other, and while at times the characters don't quite seem as wholesome as you remember (do you really need to eat that cake now, Jughead?!), de Kampi and Ruiz ensure its an offshoot you won't forget.

Jeff is a writer for IGN. He can make the Kessel run in less than 12 parsecs, probably. Follow him on Twitter and IGN.